KR20240007180A - An aerosol-generating device comprising a cup-shaped heating chamber defining an open end and a sealed end. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol-generating device (10) configured for operation with an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating device (10) comprising: - extending along the device axis (Y) and extending along the device axis (Y). a device body (30) defining one side wall (40); - a cup-shaped heating chamber defining an open end and a sealed end opposite the open end, the sealed end being impermeable to air, the heating chamber being configured to receive a heater portion of the aerosol-generating substrate via the open end. shaped heating chamber; - an air flow path extending through the open end of the heating chamber between a flow inlet and a flow outlet (64), the flow inlet comprising an air flow path arranged on the side wall (40) of the device body (30).

Description

An aerosol-generating device comprising a cup-shaped heating chamber defining an open end and a sealed end.

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a cup-shaped heating chamber defining an open end and a sealed end.

The aerosol-generating device according to the invention is adapted to operate with an aerosol-generating substrate, representing for example a solid substrate capable of forming an aerosol when heated. Therefore, aerosol-generating devices of that type, also known as heat-not-burn devices, burn the substrate by conduction, convection and/or radiation, instead of burning the substrate, to generate an aerosol for inhalation. Adapted to heating.

Due to the use and popularity of risk reduction or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers), assistive devices to assist habitual smokers who wish to quit smoking traditional tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolled tobacco. has grown rapidly over the past few years. In contrast to combusting tobacco in conventional tobacco products, a variety of devices and systems are available for heating or warming vaporizable materials.

Commonly available hazard reduction or hazard modification devices are heated base aerosol generating devices or non-combustible heated devices. Devices of this type generate an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically comprising wet leaf tobacco or other suitable vaporizable material, to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 350°C. By heating the aerosol substrate without igniting or burning it, an aerosol is released that contains the ingredients desired by the user but does not contain toxic and carcinogenic ignition and combustion by-products. Additionally, since aerosols produced by heating a cigarette or other vaporizable material do not typically contain the burnt or bitter taste resulting from ignition and combustion that can be unpleasant to the user, the substrate reduces the smoke and/or vapors further to the user's attention. It does not require the sugars and other additives typically added to such ingredients to make them palatable.

To enable aerosol formation while heating the aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming device generally defines an air flow path extending between a flow inlet and a flow outlet. The flow outlet may be placed on a mouthpiece of the device intended to contact the user's lips and/or mouth for inhaling the aerosol.

During operation of an aerosol-forming device, its surface temperature can reach significant values and even cause burns to the user holding the device. Additionally, in some cases, the user may mistakenly blow the vapor into the flow outlet instead of inhaling it. In this case, the flow direction may be reversed and the flow will be discharged by the flow inlet, which may cause burns to the user. Finally, in some cases, the fresh air flowing in through the flow inlet may be obstructed. Accordingly, aerosol generation performance may be reduced.

One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that minimizes the risk of injury to the user and exhibits increased aerosol generating performance.

For this purpose, the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device configured for operation with an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

- a device body extending along the device axis and defining at least one side wall extending along the device axis;

- a cup-shaped heating chamber defining an open end and a sealed end opposite the open end, the sealed end being impermeable to air, the heating chamber being configured to receive a heater portion of the aerosol-generating substrate via the open end. shaped heating chamber;

- an air flow path extending through the open end of the heating chamber between a flow inlet and a flow outlet, the flow inlet comprising an air flow path disposed on a side wall of the device body.

By placing a flow inlet on the side wall of the device, it is possible to prevent hot vapors from scalding the user in case of accidental blowing. Additionally, this allows arranging the air flow path at least partially along the side walls of the device. Thereby, the surface temperature of these walls is reduced. Accordingly, the user can hold the device without risk of burns. Finally, the arrangement of the flow inlet avoids the risk of blocking the inlet, for example by the user's hand or fingers. Therefore, fresh air can easily flow into the air flow path, thereby improving the effect of heating the substrate as convective heating due to energy acquisition.

According to some embodiments, the flow inlet is formed in a transition zone between the mouthpiece and the housing.

According to some embodiments, the flow inlet is formed in a transition zone between the mouthpiece and the housing.

This feature allows the flow inlet to preferably be arranged in an area of the side wall of the device where there is very little risk of it being blocked, for example by the user's hand or fingers, while holding the device. Additionally, with this arrangement, the reversed flow, for example due to the user's intake, is guided in the direction opposite to the user.

According to some embodiments, the mouthpiece and housing form a single piece and the transition zone is formed by a smooth surface extending from the mouthpiece to the housing.

Due to this feature, the aerosol-generating substrate can be loaded directly from the opening formed in the mouthpiece.

According to some embodiments, the housing defines an insertion opening that extends perpendicular to the device axis and is configured to receive a mouthpiece.

Due to these features, the mouthpiece may be removable and ultimately replaceable. Additionally, this arrangement allows the aerosol-generating substrate to be loaded into the heating chamber when the mouthpiece is removed from the device. The substrate can then be secured inside the heating chamber by securing the mouthpiece on the housing.

According to some embodiments, the mouthpiece defines a recessed portion that forms a flow inlet when the mouthpiece is inserted into the insertion opening of the housing.

According to some embodiments, the through hole of the mouthpiece opens in a recessed portion.

Due to this feature, a flow inlet can be easily formed by the space formed between the mouthpiece and the device body.

According to some embodiments, the device body defines an insertion opening on one of its ends suitable for receiving a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate;

When received within the insertion opening, the aerosol-generating substrate forms a portion that protrudes from the device body, and the protruding portion forms a mouthpiece.

Due to these features, some of the aerosol-generating substrates can be used as mouthpieces.

According to some embodiments, the flow inlet is positioned toward the vent of the aerosol-generating substrate.

Due to this feature, if the aerosol-generating substrate is provided with vents, these vents can be directed towards the flow inlet and thus exposed to fresh air.

According to some embodiments, the air flow path has an upstream portion extending from a flow inlet to a proximal end of the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber, and from the proximal end through the aerosol-generating substrate to a flow outlet. Comprising an extending downstream portion;

Preferably, the upstream portion of the air flow path extends through the open end of the heating chamber.

Due to this feature, the air flow path can enter and exit by the same open end of the heating chamber. The heating chamber thus provides, in particular, an air-impermeable cup with only one open end.

According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the upstream portion of the air flow path extends out of the aerosol-generating substrate through the heating chamber.

Due to this feature, this part of the upstream part can conduct fresh air from the outside of the device, thereby reducing the surface temperature of the side wall.

According to some embodiments, the heating chamber extends along the device axis and has a rectangular cross-section having a pair of chamber side walls opposed to each other and a pair of chamber contact walls opposed to each other and intended to contact the substrate contact wall of the aerosol-generating substrate. Limit the shape.

Due to these features, the aerosol-generating substrate can be heated uniformly inside the heating chamber.

According to some embodiments, said portion of the upstream portion of the air flow path extends between at least one chamber side wall and the aerosol-generating substrate.

Due to this feature, fresh air can be conducted inside the heating chamber to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating substrate, and then from the proximal end into the interior of the substrate, without passing through the substrate. Therefore, at the inlet portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, the air is already preheated, and hot air can be uniformly injected into the substrate.

According to some embodiments, the sealed end of the heating chamber forms a transition between the upstream and downstream portions of the air flow path.

According to some embodiments, the sealing end defines stopping means that prevent contact of the proximal end of the aerosol-generating substrate with the distal wall of the heating chamber sealing it at the sealing end;

Preferably, the stop means is formed in the round shape of the distal wall or as a rib extending from the distal wall.

According to some embodiments, the sealing end defines stop means adapted to form a space between the sealing end and the side of the aerosol-generating substrate facing the sealing end when the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber.

According to some embodiments, the air flow path includes a transition portion that extends into the interior of the space between the seal end and the side of the aerosol-generating substrate facing the seal end when the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber. The transition portion may fluidly connect the upstream portion of the air flow path to the downstream portion. For example, the transition portion forms a turn in the flow direction between the upstream portion and the downstream portion, having an angle substantially equal to 180 degrees.

According to some embodiments, the transition portion of the air flow path forms a substantially U shape in cross-section including the device axis.

One or several of these features may cause the direction of flow to be reversed from the sealed end to the interior of the heating chamber. Accordingly, the flow can be forced to take a “U” turn and enter the interior of the aerosol-generating substrate.

According to some embodiments, the only breathable opening of the heating chamber is formed at the open end.

The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating device as described above and an assembly comprising an aerosol-generating substrate.

According to some embodiments of the assembly, an aerosol-generating device is configured to operate in conjunction with an aerosol-generating substrate of the assembly.

According to some embodiments of the assembly, the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into a heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

The present invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description, which is provided by way of non-limiting example only and is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating substrate usable with the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1;
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece of Figure 3 mounted on the housing of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1;
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1, the heating chamber receiving the aerosol-generating substrate of Figure 2;
- Figure 6 is a drawing similar to that of Figure 5, in which the heating chamber and the aerosol-generating substrate are shown without the housing;
- Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 6 along plane VII;
- Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 6 along plane VIII;
- Figure 9 is a drawing similar to that of Figure 8, showing another possible embodiment of the heating chamber;
- Figure 10 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 11 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a third embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view similar to the view of Figure 7, showing a preferred embodiment of the heater part of the aerosol-generating substrate.

Before describing the present invention, it should be understood that it is not limited to the details of construction set forth in the description below. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating device” or “device” includes a vaping device for delivering an aerosol, comprising an aerosol for vaping, to a user by means of a heating element, which is described in further detail below. can do. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to a device for use when held by a user. The device can be adjusted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, for example by activating a heating element for a variable amount of time (as opposed to a fixed amount of aerosol), which can be controlled by a trigger. Triggers such as a vaping button and/or inhalation sensor may be user activated. The inhalation sensor is sensitive to the duration of inhalation as well as the intensity of inhalation so that a variable amount of vapor can be provided (e.g., to mimic the effects of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article such as a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, etc.) can do. The device may include a heater and/or a thermostatic control device to bring the temperature of the aerosol-generating material (aerosol precursor) to be heated to a specific target temperature and thereafter to maintain the temperature at the target temperature to enable efficient aerosol generation. You can.

As used herein, the term “aerosol” refers to solid particles; droplet; One or more of the gases may contain suspended solids of vaporizable material. The suspended matter may be a gas containing air. Aerosol herein may broadly refer to/include a vapor. An aerosol may contain one or more components of vaporizable material.

As used herein, the term “vaporizable material” or “precursor” may refer to a smokable material that may include, for example, nicotine or tobacco and an aerosol former. Tobacco can take the form of a variety of materials, such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaves, and/or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol formers include polyols such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The substrate may further include at least one of a gelling agent, a binder, a stabilizer, and a wetting agent.

First embodiment of the present invention

Figure 1 shows an aerosol-generating device 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The aerosol-generating device 10 is intended to operate in conjunction with the aerosol-generating substrate 12 shown in more detail in FIG. 2 .

The assembly includes an aerosol-generating device (10) and an aerosol-generating substrate (12). In particular, the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the assembly includes an aerosol-generating substrate (12) that is inserted into the heating chamber (45) of the aerosol-generating device (10). Embodiments of the heating chamber 45 are described below.

Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped of flat shape extending along the substrate axis (X) and having external dimensions (LxWxD). In a typical embodiment, the length (L) of the substrate along the substrate axis (X) is substantially equal to 33 mm, and its width (W) and depth (D) are substantially equal to 12 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. According to different embodiments, the L, W and D values can be selected, for example within a range of +/- 40%. The depth D of the substrate 12 is formed by a pair of parallel walls 13A, 13B, hereinafter referred to as the substrate side walls 13A, 13B, and the width W of the substrate is defined below. It is formed by a pair of parallel walls 14A, 14B, referred to as contact walls 14A, 14B. According to other embodiments of the invention, aerosol-generating substrate 12 may have any other suitable shape and/or external dimensions. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate 12 can form a circular tube shape.

The aerosol-generating substrate 12 includes a mouthpiece portion 16 and a heater portion 15 disposed along the substrate axis X. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating substrate 12 may include only heater portion 15. Heater portion 15 may, for example, be slightly longer than mouthpiece portion 16. For example, the length L2 of the heater portion 15 along the substrate axis It may be substantially equal to 15 mm. Heater portion 15 defines the proximal end 18 of substrate 12 and mouthpiece portion 16 defines mouth end 20 of substrate 12. The heater portion 15 and the mouthpiece portion 16 may be secured to each other by a unique wrapper extending around the substrate axis X. In other embodiments, the parts 15, 16 may be wrapped in different wrappers and secured together by any other suitable means. The or each wrapping paper may include, for example, paper and/or non-woven fabric and/or aluminum. The or each wrapper may be porous or air impermeable. The or each wrapper defines a plurality of air flow channels extending within the substrate 12 between the adjacent end 18 and the mouth end 20.

Heater portion 14 is intended to be heated by a heater (using a heating chamber in this embodiment) and includes a vaporizable material as defined above. According to the first and second embodiments of the invention, the mouthpiece portion 16 is intended to be received within the mouthpiece, as explained in further detail below. According to another embodiment of the invention, the mouthpiece portion 16 itself forms a mouthpiece intended to be in contact with the user's mouth and/or lips. The mouthpiece portion 16 includes a core 17 that acts, for example, like a filter. Core 17 may be, for example, foam, or compressed strands or fibers. The core 17 may be formed into a stable shape through an extrusion and/or rolling process. The substrate can be shaped to provide one or more airflow channels. 2, the mouthpiece portion 16 has a plurality of vents disposed along the entire perimeter of the mouthpiece portion 16, for example, along two axes perpendicular to the substrate axis X. 22) is limited. That is, according to this embodiment, the ventilation hole 22 is disposed on each wall of the substrate among the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B and the substrate side walls 13A, 13B. According to another embodiment, the vent 22 is disposed only on the substrate contacting walls 14A, 14B, or, preferably, only on one of the substrate contacting walls 14A, 14B. In both embodiments, the vents 22 may be aligned perpendicular to the substrate axis on the or each corresponding wall of the substrate 12 and may be equidistantly spaced. The vents 22 allow fresh air flowing into the interior of the substrate 12 to achieve specific vaping/flavor effects.

Referring back to FIG. 1 , the aerosol-generating device 10 includes a device body 30 extending along the device axis Y and defining at least one side wall 40 of the device 10 . The device body 30 includes a mouthpiece 32 and a housing 34 arranged continuously along the device axis Y. According to the first embodiment of the invention, the mouthpiece 32 and the housing 34 form two different parts. In particular, according to this embodiment, the mouthpiece 32 is designed to be fixed on or received within the insertion opening 36 formed in one of the ends of the housing 34 . This opening 36 extends perpendicular to the device axis Y, as shown in Figure 5 with the mouthpiece 32 removed from the housing 34.

In each cross-section, the housing 34 may form a substantially rectangular shape with rounded edges, for example. In this case, the housing 34 with the mouthpiece 32 forms at least four side walls 40 . According to other embodiments, housing 34 may have a round cross-sectional shape. In this case, it can be formed with the mouthpiece 32 on only one side wall 40 . Housing 34 may be sealed at the end opposite the insertion opening 36 that receives mouthpiece 32. Housing 34 may be formed of multiple assembled parts or a single piece made of any suitable material, such as aluminum or plastic. In some embodiments, the material of housing 34 may be a thermally conductive material. In some other embodiments, this may be an insulating material. In some embodiments, housing 34 may define one or multiple openings on corresponding portions of device sidewall 40 suitable for placing control and/or visual elements. For example, these elements may include control buttons, touch panels, screens, LEDs, etc. In particular, in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the housing 34 defines a slot opening 42 that receives, for example, an LED indicating at least an ON state of the device 10 . Additionally, it may display, for example, a low battery state, an error state, etc.

Housing 34 defines an internal space of device 10 that houses various elements designed to perform different functions of device 10. This internal space includes, for example, a battery for supplying power to the device 10, a control module for controlling the operation of the device 10, a heating chamber 45 for heating the aerosol-generating substrate 12, and at least one heating element 47 for heating the heating chamber 45. Among these elements, only the heating chamber 45 and the heating element 47 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

Figure 3 shows the mouthpiece 32 in more detail. 3, the mouthpiece 32 has an interior surface 56 intended to face the insertion opening 36 during assembly of the mouthpiece 32 with the housing 34, and a together with an outer surface 57 intended to form at least one side wall 40 of the device 10. In order to secure the mouthpiece 32 inside the insertion opening 36, the outer rim 59 of the inner surface 56 is designed to be in close contact with a portion of the inner rim of the insertion opening 36. The outer surface 57 is suitably shaped to contact the user's mouth and/or lips. Each side of the outer surface 57 may be formed as an extension of a corresponding side of the housing, forming a substantially continuous side wall 40 of the device 10. In particular, in this case, a discontinuity may be formed in the transition area between mouthpiece 32 and housing 34 .

The mouthpiece 32 is crossed by a through hole 60 extending along the device axis Y between the recess portion 62 and the flow outlet 64. In particular, the through hole 60 is designed to receive the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 such that the substrate axis X coincides with the device axis Y. Accordingly, the through hole 60 has the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol-generating substrate 12 and defines an internal dimension that is slightly larger than the external dimension of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In particular, in the embodiment of the figure, the through hole 60 defines a rectangular cross-section to accommodate the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 shown in FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, through-hole 60 may have variable cross-sectional dimensions. For example, through hole 60 may have a cross-sectional dimension (in particular width) that gradually decreases from recess portion 62 to flow outlet 64 . Additionally, the mouthpiece portion 16 and through hole 60 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 may have equal lengths measured along the device axis (Y) and the substrate axis (X), respectively. According to other embodiments, the length of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 may be less than the length of the through hole 60 such that the mouth end 20 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is positioned at the flow outlet 64. ) can be leveled.

The recess portion 62 corresponds to a cavity formed in both the inner and outer surfaces 56, 57 of the mouthpiece 32. This cavity comprises a first opening extending from the rim 59 to this through-hole 60 on the inner surface 56 on one side of the through-hole 60 and a mouthpiece ( It may be formed by a second opening extending on the outer surface 57 from a border along d% of the length of 32). The d value may be less than 25, preferably less than 10, and more preferably less than 5. Accordingly, when the mouthpiece 32 is inserted within the insertion opening 36, the recessed portion 62 defines an opening 66 that forms a flow inlet 66 as shown in FIG. 4 . That is, the flow inlet 66 is formed on the side wall 40 of the device 10 in the transition area between the mouthpiece 32 and the housing 34.

In embodiments where the aerosol-generating substrate 12 includes vents 22, at least some of these vents 22 are arranged to face the flow inlet 66.

5-9, the heating chamber 45 forms a cup-shaped heating chamber extending along the device axis Y between the open end 70 and the sealed end 71. The heating chamber 45 is designed to accommodate the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. For this purpose, the heating chamber 45 defines a cross-sectional shape substantially identical to that of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 . In particular, in the embodiment of the figure, heating chamber 45 defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape with two parallel chamber side walls 73A, 73B and two parallel chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. The heating chamber 45 also defines a distal wall 75 that is disposed perpendicular to the device axis Y and seals the sealing end 71 . In particular, the distal wall 75 is adjacent each of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B and seals the chamber at the sealed end 71, thereby forming a cup shape of the chamber opening at the open end 70. do. In particular, in this case the only breathable opening of the chamber 45 is formed at the open end 70 . Each wall 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B, 75 may be made of a thermally conductive material, such as metal. Additionally, at least some or all of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B, 75 may form an integral part.

The internal dimensions of heating chamber 45 include length L3 measured along the device axis Y, width W3 measured as the distance between chamber side walls 73A, 73B, and chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. The distance between the two is limited by the measured depth (D3). These internal dimensions (L3, W3, D3) are selected based on the external dimensions (L2, W, D) of the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12.

In particular, the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 is selected to be slightly greater than or substantially equal to the depth D of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In this case, when the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is received inside the heating chamber 45, the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B may be in contact with the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. Preferably, in this case, the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B are in close contact with the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. In some embodiments, the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 may be slightly smaller than the normal depth D of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In this case, the heating chamber 45 and/or the mouthpiece 32 are configured to compress the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 by applying an action force on the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. Accordingly, close contact between the corresponding contact walls of the heating chamber 45 and the substrate 12 can be improved, and thus heat transfer between these walls can be improved.

The width W3 of the heating chamber 45 is selected such that the aerosol-generating substrate 12 and at least a pair of opposing side walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B of the heating chamber 45 form an air flow channel between them. do. Preferably, the width W3 of the heating chamber 45 is such that each pair of opposing side walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 and the heating chamber 45 has an air flow channel therebetween. is selected to form. That is, the width W3 of the heating chamber 45 is selected to form a distance d1 between each pair of opposing side walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B, as shown in FIG. 7. In particular, in the embodiment of this figure, W3=W+2d1. The distance d1 may be chosen to be substantially equal to the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45, for example. In this case, when the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is inserted into the heating chamber 45, air flow channels of substantially square cross-section are formed on both sides of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 along the device axis Y. is formed according to Of course, the distance d1 may be chosen to be equal to any other value, depending on the flow rate required within the aerosol-generating substrate 12 during its heating.

8 and 9, the length L3 of the heating chamber 45 fully accommodates the heating portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 and seals the sealed end 71 of the heating chamber 45. is selected to form a stop means (80). That is, the length L3 is selected to be exactly greater than the length L2 of the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The stop means 80 is configured to prevent contact of the proximal end 18 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 with the distal wall 75 of the heating chamber 45. That is, the stop means 80 is configured to form an air flow channel connecting each air flow channel formed between the chamber side walls 73A, 73B and the aerosol-generating substrate 12, and each air flow channel is configured to generate an aerosol. It is formed inside the generating substrate 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 8 , the stop means 80 is formed in the round shape of the distal wall 75 . In the embodiment of FIG. 9 , the stop means 80 is formed by at least one rib projecting axially from the distal wall 75 .

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the heating element 47 is placed in contact with one of the outer chamber contact walls 74A and 74B of the heating chamber 45 . In particular, in the embodiment of this figure, the heating element 47 is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the chamber contact wall 74A. Heating element 47 may include a polyimide film heater extending along substantially the entire area of the outer surface of chamber contact wall 74A, or along only a portion of this surface. In this last case, the portion may form a width substantially equal to the width W of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 . The heating element 45 is powered by a battery and is controlled by the control module of the aerosol generating device 10. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating device 10 may include two heating elements 47, each heating element 47 attached on the outer surface of one of the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. Additionally, according to some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device 10 further includes a thermal insulating material disposed between the or each heating element 47 and the inner surface of the housing 34. Additionally, the same thermal insulation material may be disposed between the outer surface of each chamber side wall 73A, 73B and the inner surface of the housing 34.

The operation of the aerosol generating device 10 will now be described. First, the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is considered to have been extracted from the device 10. The user first removes the mouthpiece 32 from the housing 34 to insert it. The user then moves the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 into the heating chamber 45 until the proximal end 18 of the substrate 12 abuts the stop means 80 of the heating chamber 45. 45) Insert inside. The user then slides the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 into the through hole 60 of the mouthpiece 32 and into the insertion opening 36 of the housing 34. By inserting 32), the mouthpiece 32 is fixed on the housing 34.

The user can then activate the operation of the aerosol-generating device 10, for example by activating an on button or by performing a puff. This creates an air flow in an air flow path formed inside the device between the flow inlet 66 and the flow outlet 64, as shown in Figure 4.

The air flow path inside the aerosol-generating device 10 is in an upstream part extending from the flow inlet 66 to the proximal end 18 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12, at the sealed end 71 of the heating chamber 45. a transition portion of, and a downstream portion extending from the proximal end 18 through the aerosol-generating substrate 12 to the flow outlet 64. In particular, as shown in Figure 6, the upstream portion extends through the open end 70 of the heating chamber 45 and then into each pair of side walls 73A, 13A and 73B, 13B of the heating chamber 45. and the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the transition portion forms a “U” turn inside the heating chamber 45 and forces the flow to flow into the interior of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. Finally, the downstream portion preferably extends only into the interior of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 . If the aerosol-generating substrate includes ventilation holes 22, the flow in the downstream portion may further include fresh air introduced through these ventilation holes 22.

As can be seen in Figure 12, the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 may, for example, have a plate shape with slotted grooves on both opposing surfaces. A slotted groove may form at least part of the downstream portion.

Second embodiment of the present invention

Figure 10 shows an aerosol generating device 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This aerosol-generating device 110 is similar to the aerosol-generating device 10 and, in particular, is configured to operate with the same aerosol-generating substrate 12 shown in FIG. 2 .

The assembly includes an aerosol-generating device (110) and an aerosol-generating substrate (12). In particular, the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 110. For example, the assembly includes an aerosol-generating substrate 12 that is inserted into a heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device 110.

In addition, the aerosol generating device 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a mouse having a similar external shape to the mouthpiece 32 and the housing 34 described above in relation to the first embodiment of the present invention. A device body 130 includes piece 132 and housing 134 and defines at least one side wall 140 of device 110. However, according to a second embodiment of the invention, mouthpiece 132 and housing 134 form an integrated part. In this case, the aerosol-generating substrate may be loaded directly from the opening 164 of the mouthpiece 132, for example. This opening 164 also forms a flow outlet 164 similar to the previously described flow outlet 64. Aerosol-generating substrate 12 can be extracted from the same opening 164 using, for example, an internal extraction mechanism that can be actuated by an actuator 142 disposed on side wall 140.

The or each side wall 140 has, for example, a smooth outer surface and defines a transition zone between the mouthpiece 132 and the housing 134 . Also, as in the previous case, the transition zone defines an opening 166 forming a flow inlet 166.

The interior portion of the aerosol-generating device 110 is similar to the interior portion of the aerosol-generating device 10 described above. In particular, the aerosol generating device 110 includes a heating chamber identical to the heating chamber 45 described above. As in the previous case, the flow inlet 166 is in fluid communication with the respective air flow channel formed between the side wall of the heating chamber and the aerosol-generating substrate. Additionally, as with previous embodiments, the flow is forced inside the chamber to follow a “U” turn to flow inside the aerosol-generating substrate to the flow outlet 164.

Additionally, the operation of the aerosol generating device 110 is similar to the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 described above. A particular difference lies in the loading/extraction method of the aerosol-generating substrate 12.

Third embodiment of the present invention

Figure 11 shows an aerosol generating device 210 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. This aerosol-generating device 210 is similar to the aerosol-generating device 110 according to the second embodiment of the invention and, in particular, is configured to operate with the same aerosol-generating substrate 12 shown in FIG. 2 .

The assembly includes an aerosol-generating device (210) and an aerosol-generating substrate (12). In particular, the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 210. For example, the assembly includes an aerosol-generating substrate 12 that is inserted into a heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device 210.

Additionally, the aerosol-generating device 210 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a device body 230 defining at least one side wall 240 of the device 210. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the device body 230 according to the third embodiment of the present invention does not define a mouthpiece. As shown in Figure 11, the mouthpiece is formed from at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12.

In particular, according to this embodiment, the device body 230 defines an insertion opening 236 extending perpendicular to the device axis Y at one of the ends of the device body 230 . As in the second embodiment of the invention, the opening 236 is suitable to receive at least a heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. In particular, as in the previous case, the opening 236 communicates with a heating chamber disposed inside the device body 230. This heating chamber is similar to the heating chamber described above and is particularly adapted to receive the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 .

In contrast to the previous case, at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 protrudes from the opening 236 to form a mouthpiece. That is, these raised portions of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 are designed to be in contact with the user's lips and mouth during use of the device 210 and form a flow outlet 264.

As in the previous case, a flow inlet 266 is formed on the side wall 240 of the device body 230. These flow inlets 266 are in fluid communication with respective air flow channels formed between the side walls of the heating chamber and the aerosol-generating substrate 12. Additionally, as in the previous case, the flow is forced inside the chamber to follow a “U” turn to flow from the inside of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 to the flow outlet 264.

When the aerosol-generating substrate 12 includes vents 22, these vents 22 are disposed on the protruding portion of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the substrate 12, as shown in FIG. 11. It can be. According to another embodiment, the ventilation hole 22 is located in the mouth of the substrate 12 received inside the device body 230, preferably facing the flow inlet 266, as in the second embodiment of the present invention. It is disposed on a part of the piece portion 16.

As with the second embodiment of the invention, an actuator 242 may be placed on the side wall 240 of the device 210 to enable extraction of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. According to another embodiment, no actuator is provided on the side wall and the substrate 12 is extracted by pulling on its protruding part.

Fourth embodiment of the present invention

The aerosol generating device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has the same structure as the aerosol generating device 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with the only difference being that the aerosol generating device according to the fourth embodiment accommodates It lies in the characteristics of the substrate 12 that can be done.

The assembly includes an aerosol-generating device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and an aerosol-generating substrate.

In particular, the aerosol-generating device according to the fourth embodiment of the invention can be adapted to accommodate aerosol-generating substrates of different lengths. For example, an aerosol-generating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention may be adapted to accommodate an aerosol-generating substrate of “normal” length (i.e., a substrate similar to that of FIG. 2). In this case, this aerosol-generating device can be operated like the aerosol-generating device 110 according to the second embodiment of the invention (i.e. it can form a mouthpiece forming part of the device body). Additionally, the aerosol-generating device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be adapted to accommodate an elongated aerosol-generating substrate. In this case, the substrate may protrude from the device body to form a mouthpiece. That is, in this case, the aerosol generating device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be operated like the aerosol generating device 210 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (15)

As an aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210),
The aerosol-generating device (10; 110; 210) is configured to operate in conjunction with an aerosol-generating substrate (12),
- a device body (30; 130; 230) extending along a device axis (Y), defining at least one side wall (40; 140; 240) extending along said device axis (Y);
- a cup-shaped heating chamber (45) defining an open end (70) and a sealed end (71) opposite the open end (70), said sealed end (71) being impermeable to air, said heating chamber (45) (45) is a cup-shaped heating chamber (45) configured to receive a heater portion (15) of the aerosol-generating substrate (12) through the open end (70);
- an air flow path extending through the open end (70) of the heating chamber (45) between a flow inlet (66; 166; 266) and a flow outlet (64; 164; 264), said flow inlet (66; 166) ) comprises an air flow path, disposed on the side wall (40; 140; 240) of the device body (30; 130; 230),
The air flow path extends from the flow inlet (66; 166; 266) to the proximal end (18) of the aerosol-generating substrate (12) when the aerosol-generating substrate (12) is inserted into the heating chamber (45). an upstream portion extending from the proximal end (18) through the aerosol-generating substrate (12) to the flow outlet (64; 164; 264),
Aerosol generating device (10; 110; 210). According to paragraph 1,
The device body (30; 130) includes a housing (34; 134) and a mouthpiece (32; 132) extending continuously along the device body (30; 130),
An aerosol-generating device (10; 110), wherein the mouthpiece (32; 132) defines a through hole (60) configured to receive a mouthpiece portion (16) of the aerosol-generating substrate (12). According to paragraph 2,
Aerosol-generating device (10; 110), wherein the flow inlet (66; 166) is formed in a transition zone between the mouthpiece (32; 132) and the housing (34; 134). According to paragraph 3,
The mouthpiece 132 and the housing 134 form an integral part,
The transition zone is formed by a smooth surface extending from the mouthpiece (132) to the housing (134). According to paragraph 3,
The housing (34) extends perpendicular to the device axis (Y) and defines an insertion opening (36) configured to receive the mouthpiece (32). According to clause 5,
The mouthpiece (32) defines a recessed portion (62) forming the flow inlet (66) when the mouthpiece (32) is inserted into the insertion opening (36) of the housing (34). Aerosol generating device (10). According to clause 6,
The aerosol-generating device (10), wherein the through hole (60) of the mouthpiece is open to the recess portion (62). According to paragraph 1,
The device body 230 defines an insertion opening 236 on one of its ends suitable for receiving a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 12;
An aerosol-generating device (210), wherein when received within the insertion opening (236), the aerosol-generating substrate (12) forms a protruding portion from the device body (230), and the protruding portion forms a mouthpiece. According to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The aerosol-generating device (10; 110; 210), wherein the flow inlet (66; 166; 266) is arranged to face the ventilation hole (22) of the aerosol-generating substrate (12). According to any one of claims 1 to 9,
At least a portion of the upstream portion of the air flow path extends out of the aerosol-generating substrate (12) through the heating chamber (45),
Preferably, the upstream portion of the air flow path extends through the open end (70) of the heating chamber (45). According to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The heating chamber 45 extends along the device axis Y and includes a pair of opposing chamber side walls 73A, 73B and substrate contact walls 14A, 14B of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. An aerosol-generating device (10; 110; 210) defining a rectangular cross-sectional shape with a pair of chamber contact walls (74A, 74B) opposing each other and intended to be in contact. According to claim 10 or 11,
The portion of the upstream portion of the air flow path extends between at least one chamber side wall (73A, 73B) and the aerosol-generating substrate (12). According to clause 12,
The sealed end (71) of the heating chamber (45) forms a transition portion between the upstream and downstream portions of the air flow path. According to clause 13,
The sealing end 71 prevents contact of the proximal end 18 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 with the distal wall 75 of the heating chamber 45, sealing it at the sealing end 71. defines a stopping means (80) that does;
Preferably, the stop means (80) is formed by a rounded shape of the distal wall (75) or a rib extending from the distal wall (75). As an assembly,
Comprising an aerosol-generating device (10; 110; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising an aerosol-generating substrate (12),
assembly.